Small business center celebrates JewelRide launch

JewelRide, a forward-looking transportation company serving the Metro East with a primary focus on non-emergency medical transportation, has opened in Edwardsville.

Owner Tapiwa Mupereki has worked with the Illinois Small Business Development Center for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Director Jo Ann DiMaggio May since August, receiving assistance to successfully plan and start the business.

“Each year, more than 3.6 million people miss an appointment due to lack of reliable transportation,” Mupereki said. “I have always had a passion for initiatives for access to healthcare for individuals and communities. It is important to me to help those who don’t have transportation access.”

Mupereki and his wife, Rutendo, a pharmacist and pediatrician, respectively, understand the importance in increasing access to healthcare. They were inspired to provide this critical service since there is no medical transportation service like it in the area and they are extremely proud to be fulfilling this need within their own community.

Mupereki is quite appreciative of the SBDC and DiMaggio May for the diverse range of useful business guidance, including a strong business plan, marketing, creating both a social media and web presence, and thinking about clients and employees.

“The SBDC has a visible intention to help small businesses succeed,” Mupereki shared. “They put in a lot of time and commitment to going through each step, understanding where you are and what needs to be done.”

Looking to the future, Mupereki has high hopes that JewelRide will grow and become a household name throughout the region.

“Tapiwa has been diligent in learning everything needed to be a successful business owner. It has been an honor and joy working with him,” DiMaggio May said. “JewelRide is going to be a true asset to the Metro East. I look forward to assisting Mupereki further as he grows his company.”

Services extend to all villages, towns, and cities in Madison and St. Clair counties, as well as transporting those who have travel needs from these two counties to the greater St. Louis metro area.